HMH CEO Laurent A. Voivenel Addresses MBA Students Visiting Dubai from University of Versailles in France

Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings made a special presentation to a group of visiting MBA hotel management students from University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. Receiving the students at Coral Dubai Deira Hotel, Laurent stressed, "University of Versailles is one of the most prestigious institutes and we are delighted to welcome these youngsters who are the future of our industry. As part of our commitment to developing talent we offer opportunities to new comers across our network of hotels at HMH in every area of the business. Through carefully tailored internship and training programmes we develop full potential of an individual to become a part of our organisation and grow into successful hospitality leaders. At HMH we are eager to develop a skilled and professional workforce and at the heart of it is our endeavour to serve our guests better as well as provide our associates the right environment to grow in their careers."

Delivering a special lecture on the significance and growth of hospitality industry in the Emirates, Laurent explained to the students various aspects and challenges of the business as well as career opportunities. He said, "Dubai is the first Middle East destination to host World Expo 2020, which will attract up to 25 million international visitors during the six month period. The emirate will spend more than $8 billion on new infrastructure including hotels, offices and retail space. In addition, Dubai's vision is to have 20 million visitors annually by 2020. The city currently boasts 634 hotels and hotel apartments with 88,680 keys. This number is expected to almost double touching 160,000 rooms within the next 6 years. It has proved to be a massive stimulant for the hotel and tourism industry opening and creating many opportunities for hospitality professionals like yourself."

Talking about the many reasons that has placed Dubai on the world map, Laurent stressed, “Among the key factors driving demand for Dubai as a world-class destination is the city’s strategic location and excellent airline network and connectivity. Over 2/3 of the world’s population lives within 8 hours flight from Dubai while 1/3 lives within 4 hours making it extremely accessible for travellers through the rapidly expanding network of airlines including low-cost carriers. Dubai has absolutely everything that a Western would like – opportunity, security, cosmopolitan lifestyle, excellent quality of life, great weather eight months of the year and friendly people. It is not only a hub for business but it also offers pleasure of living. Let's put it this way Dubai is a destination of choice for talented people".

In addition, Laurent touched upon a number of key topics such as e-commerce and the growing significance of online travel agencies, market positioning, retaining customers through loyalty programmes and online reputation management.